Horse Head Rock is possibly the most famous of all the rock formations on the NSW Far South Coast, and it’s definitely a must visit. Though it is very well known, it’s not overly busy, even when we visited on a weekend in summer.
The unusually shaped rock is special, particularly when large waves crash through the arch making the whole scene very dramatic.
A crystal clear rockpool lies in front of the rock and another beautiful (and larger) rockpool can be found along the way.
If you have the time it is very much worth viewing Horse Head Rock from the beach as well as from the walking track above, which offers seriously mind blowing views.
Visiting Horse Head Rock
Via the coastal route to the base of the rock
Distance: 650m each way
Elevation gain: 20m
Difficulty: Easy - moderate
Trailhead: Camel Rock car park
The walk to view Horse Head Rock from the beach should only be done on a low to mid tide and a slight swell is preferable.
This is because once you leave the main beach the route to the rock is along small tidal beaches and rock shelves which are exposed to the waves.
If you got stuck and couldn’t cross back due to a rising tide, there is an alternative exit route you could use, but it’s steep and unstable (more on that later).
Starting the walk
The walk begins at the Camel Rock car park and follows the sandy track downhill to the beach, 50m away.
There’s a little viewing platform partway along which offers an excellent view of Camel Rock. The beach is gorgeous, though alas it was blowing a gale here both times we visited.
If you are luckier with the weather it’s well worth factoring in some extra time to spend here as it’s a fabulous beach with great water clarity and stunning views.
Anyway back to the walk, you’ll head left when you hit the beach and walk along the sand for 200m. From here the route is rocky and I would make sure you have shoes with you.
The rocks are wet in places and can be a touch slippery so tread carefully. I found keeping to the higher ground where possible was the easier option, with drier rock and a bit more stability.
It’s definitely a bit of a clamber in parts, but there are no tricky moves, it’s more a case of keeping your balance as you traverse the uneven terrain.
You will reach a beautiful rockpool after rock hopping for 135m.
The best rockpool for swimming
Though the rockpool in front of Horse Head Rock is arguably the most picturesque, this first rockpool is better for an actual swim.
While it’s still not huge, it’s deep and there’s room for a little bit of swimming.
The water is clear and blue, but unfortunately this area suffered from really strong wind both times we visited, so you can’t really see how lovely it was in the pictures.
However, if you have good conditions you will definitely want to stop off for a dip here and accessing the pool is easy as there’s a tiered shelf down into the water.
Behind it is a rock channel which would make another good swim spot, but it is very exposed to the waves, so you would need really good conditions for it to be suitable.
Even a slight swell isn’t enough, you would need a very low wave height and preferably lack of wind. We had neither so I didn’t go in, but I did spot a seal here enjoying the waves which was a real treat.
Arriving at Horse Head Rock
From the rockpool you have a beach to cross and then another rocky section. This section is short and much easier than the first rocky section, but it’s more exposed to the waves.
This is why you really don’t want to be visiting Horse Head Rock when the swell is up as you could get knocked by a wave along this stretch.
Depending on the tide level and whether or not you’re happy to walk through small puddles you may have to scramble up a little bit of rock wall (it’s easy enough but also avoidable if you’re ok getting wet feet).
We only experienced this on our second visit which was on a higher tide (mid tide). Just 115m after leaving the rockpool you’ll reach the beach and Horse Head Rock.
Horse Head Rock and Rockpool
Horse Head Rock is striking, standing alone amid the crashing waves. And even on a calm day the waves would thunder through the arch which was mesmerising to watch.
For this reason the rock is best viewed from the beach, which offers a superb view and you still feel close to it, while still being protected from the waves that constantly crash around it.
I suppose it’s possible it’s calm sometimes and you could get closer, but we certainly didn’t experience that either visit.
There is a small rockpool a short distance in front of the Horse Head which has spectacular blue water that is particularly clear due to the pebbly bottom.
It’s not deep but you can have a little float. Miraculously the wind didn’t reach this part of the beach so it was actually really lovely conditions for a quick dip.
We then continued all the way to the end of the beach where there is a tiny sea cave (low tide only). It’s at this end of the beach you can see the unofficial route to the cliff tops.
I wouldn’t recommend this route, but if you got caught out by the tide, it is a possible way out.
The trail starts off fine but as you near the top it’s steep and unstable. It’s the loose terrain that makes it unsafe in my opinion.
You are much better off going back the way you came and then completing the cliff top walk separately.
The cliff top walk
Distance: 2.1km return
Elevation gain: 75m
Difficulty: Easy
Trailhead: Camel Rock car park
This walk offers elevated views of Horse Head Rock as well as some astonishing coastal views. Such stupendous views in fact that I think it has to be one of the best short walks in the state!
We lucked out with a bright sunny day so the water was as blue and vibrant as it gets and seeing Horse Head Rock from various elevated angles was a delight.
The track is signposted from the car park and begins to the left of the route down to the beach. The walk is really easy with a gentle grassy hill to climb for the first 220m before it flattens the rest of the way along the cliff tops.
The path is in great condition and there are various railed lookout platforms as well as a few unofficial dirt tracks ensuring you get the best views from every angle. Our favourite view of Horse Head Rock is at the 725m mark so you could turn here if you didn’t want to go all the way to the end.
I would absolutely not miss this walk so definitely allow an extra 20-30 minutes to add it on to the tidal route mentioned above.
Keep them wild
Please remember to take all rubbish with you and keep these places wild and pristine - as with anywhere in the outdoors. It’s important to leave them exactly as you found them so they will remain beautiful for generations to come.
Litter tends to breed litter, so if you do spot any and are able to pick it up and dispose of it outside the area, it will go a long way to keeping the area clean.
Please remember to wear reef safe sunscreen to protect the marine life inside the pool.
Getting to the trailhead for Horse Head Rock
Both Horse Head Rock walking tracks begin from the Camel Rock car park in Bermagui, you can see the exact location on Google maps here. It’s around a 10 minute drive from Bermagui and 20 minutes from Narooma.
There is a long drop toilet about a minute away from the car park (you’ll see it on the drive in).
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